Throughout Warriors Training Camp, radio broadcaster Tim Roye will be answering fans' e-mails and offering his analysis of how the team is coming together. Submit your questions and check back for updates.

E-mail Tim Roye Training Camp Home Daily Camp Journal Ticket Central

Dajuan Wagner and Monta Ellis gained valuable court time on Thursday night. (photo: NBAE/Getty)

ROUNDTABLE
Another edition of the Warriors Roundtable is on tonight and includes a true roundtable discussion with Warriors announcers and a chat with Head Coach Don Nelson. To listen, click here…

MAILBAG
Tim,
Whatever happened to Warriors 2nd round draft pick Kosta Perovic?
Thanks
Keith

Keith,
Kosta is overseas playing for Partisan Belgrade in Serbia-Montenegro. He is property of the Warriors and will receive some valuable seasoning this season before attempting a shot at the NBA. The team is very high on him and looks forward to seeing him in the future.
Thanks,
Tim

Hi Tim,
I want to ask, are the Warriors starters healthy? How are Jason and Troy? Will they play Opening Night? Especially Jason, as he didn't play in pre-season games.
Thanks in advance,
Donatas from VILNIUS(Lithuania)

Donatas,
Jason will be evaluated early next week and is hopeful for a quick insert into the Warriors lineup whenever that will be. Troy will have his mask on to protect that broken nose and will play Opening Night, November 1st.
Tim

Tim,
I read that Nelson is upset that nobody is pushing Pietrus for the 5th starting spot. Is this an indication that Nelson is not as pleased with Pietrus as he was during training camp?
Thanks,
Peter

Peter,
I think that Coach Nelson is just trying to prod his players to fight for jobs and compete. He does not want anyone to be complacent or to accept their so-called status. For Ellis and Pietrus to be their best, they have to improve and no better time than this season. He also wants players to fight through their aches and pains.
Thanks,
Tim

Thanks for all the e-mails! Keep the coming and more answers on Monday!

Monta will be a part of this team because he has the abilities to be a very good guard. His skills can be raw at times, but he is talented and is very, very quick. I think everyone expects him to play a lot and contribute a lot. He has been banged up recently, but should be fine and ready to roll November 1st.
Tim

Tim,
I am also a huge fan of Dajuan Wagner. I have followed him since his rookie year and have followed his progress through his surgery. I believe that if there is anyone out there who is a Warrior, it is certainly Dajuan Wagner. Where do you see his role in the Warriors future? Is Don Nelson planning on making him a shooting guard or a point guard? I think he could back up both Baron Davis at times and Jason Richardson at other times.
Thanks,
Randy

Randy,
His role with the Warriors is to just be a guard, so your ideas of backing up both Richardson and Davis is correct. He is what they call a “tweener,” so I think Don Nelson just wants him to go out and play as hard as he can and for as long as he can. His conditioning will limit long stretches right now, but that could correct itself over time.
Thanks.
Tim

Tim,
It’s almost the start of the season. The team seems to have many injuries. Baron, Jason, Troy and Mike are all hurt. Monta has this and that hurting him. What do you think, is there hope for this season?
Keith

Keith,
Sure there is hope. Let's be honest, there are a bunch of teams that are banged up right now. It's better to have these nagging injuries now than next month. Players historically tend to heal faster during the regular season than during the preseason.
Thanks
Tim

Keep the e-mails coming and come back for more tomorrow after tonight’s game!

Today, the Warriors will play the Los Angeles Clippers in an afternoon game at the STAPLES Center and will try to keep their streak of scoring 110-plus points going. In their four preseason games, Golden State leads the NBA in scoring at 119 per game.

MAILBAG
Tim,
Where's Adonal? Is he part of Nelson's nine or will we only see him sporadically?
Paul from Danville

Paul,
Adonal is not in the rotation right now and Coach Nelson has said that he will get a look after he loses some weight. Adonal is working hard in that regard and will be needed when the Warriors face the great post up centers in the league like Shaq and Yao. Thanks for the e-mail.
Tim

Hey Tim,
Good day to you, I'm a big fan of Dajuan Wagner's from NJ. I noticed that the other night against Portland he did not play in the second half or OT. I was wondering if you have any insight.
Thanks,
Steve from NJ

Steve,
I would not read into that too much. I think that Coach Nelson was simply getting a longer look at Anthony Roberson and has a pretty good idea of what Wagner could do.
Thanks
Tim

Tim,
I love this team, but it does seem that we are realistically one or two impact players away from being a championship contender. It seems that the Warriors are limited by the luxury tax and so on.
Thank You
Keven from Fairfield

Keven,
I think that the Warriors situation is not unique. Almost every team is worried about the luxury tax. I think the roster is better than you think and when healthy will be very competitive. Are they a title contender? Not yet, as you point out with the need for a superstar type, but this very young team may produce another impact player. There is no evidence to suggest that spending has ever been an issue. Hang tight, this team may surprise you in a very good way.
Tim

Thanks for the emails…Keep them coming.

Our next radio broadcast is next Tuesday when the Warriors will host Portland. We will also broadcast the game in Spokane against the Seattle SuperSonics and another edition of the Warriors weekly Roundtable on Friday night the 27th.

MAILBAG
Hi Tim,
How is Troy's nose?
Jeff in SSF

Jeff,
Troy Murphy broke his nose in the Portland game and underwent surgery yesterday in Los Angeles to realign his nose. He will not play in the games in Los Angeles and will be looked at again when he returns to the Bay Area.
Tim

Hey Tim,
I am glad to see the Warriors winning and scoring a lot of points this preseason. However, listening to the game the other night it sounded like they went through a lot of dry spells with not a lot of offense. Do you think that’s something Nelson could work on? Bringing someone in who could create instant offense or breaking the plays up a little more?
Thanks
Tony,
Rohnert Park CA

Tony,
They did go through a dry spell, but don't forget that Jason Richardson has not played yet and he is good for 20 a night and will be a nice buffer for when Baron Davis is not on the floor. The other factor is as Ike Diogu learns the system and grows comfortable with it, he will give the Warriors another nice offensive option off the bench.
Thanks

Tim,
Who are the dark horses to make the Warriors roster this season? If so, will they play a significant role in the Warriors year? How many players will Coach Nelson go to on a daily basis during the year?
Thanks
Coach Glenn

Glenn,
The dark horses are Matt Barnes and Anthony Roberson and I spoke to both on last nights Roundtable Radio Show. Roberson is a shooter with great range while Barnes is more of a hustle, rebounder type. If the preseason is any indication, then Don Nelson will be working with a nine man rotation through the season. By the way, if you would like to listen to the Roundtable and the interview with Roberson and Barnes, please click here.

Tim,
Being a huge Chris Taft fan since his days at Pittsburgh, his back and now inflammation issues really concern me. Could you please give an update on how he is currently doing, and when, possibly, could we expect to see him healthy? He's not out indefinitely, is he?
-Steve from San Jose

Steve,
Unfortunately, Chris and his injury problems continue to keep him from being on the floor. He is out indefinitely and hopefully will be able to get right sometime in the near future.
Tim

Check back tomorrow for a review of the game versus the Hornets and more of your e-mails.

Quite frankly, it was hard to judge the individual Warriors performances against an opponent like that. However, Monta Ellis looked like he could get his shot whenever and wherever he wanted. I liked some moments from Dajuan Wagner, and on the break, Baron Davis looked like his old self, trying to set up teammates and being very creative.

Click here to listen to Don Nelsons’ assessment of the proceedings

MAILBAG

Tim,
I attended the open practice and was horrified to see many players revert to old habits. There was poor shooting even with open looks and too many threes. Do you think that Nelson will be able to alter this?
Don

Don,
I would not worry too much about what you see right now. I think that this team is adjusting to a much more demanding coach with a severe conditioning program so there will be some rust. If you are e-mailing me in mid-November with the same complaints, than I think we could be concerned. Plus, in an open practice the players press to put on a show. Thanks and keep backing the Warriors.
Tim

Andrew,
I think that their team defense will be the key. Help defense will be something to watch and in a key possession there may be different personnel on the floor. I'm not talking about the Warriors having one of the NBA's best defenses, but one that will be good enough to win games. Thanks.
Tim

Hi Tim,
I was wondering how bad Monta is hurt and will he be in the starting lineup if he is healthy at the beginning of the season? Thanks.
Robert

Robert,
Monta looks fine though he has been battling a sore thigh. As far as the starting lineup goes, that is yet to be determined, but he will be a big part of this upcoming season. Take care.
Tim

KEEP SENDING YOUR QUESTIONS

There was a series of fast break drills and the emphasis on pushing the ball was quite clear. It was great to see the Warriors big men pushing the ball via the dribble before passing the ball ahead. In years gone by, it was quite common to see a Warriors big man rebound the ball and then wait for the guard to come back and get the ball.

The scrimmage was entertaining and had the usual high points and low points. Keith McLeod looked good running the white team, while Baron Davis did his usual stuff handing for the Blue team. Guard Monta Ellis re-aggravated his right thigh and is listed as day-to-day. The scrimmage was tight and Baron Davis tied it with a late three only to be bested by Dijon Thompson who nailed a three to win it for white.

Davis then took the opportunity for some good natured fun at the expense of rookies Patrick O’Bryant and Anthony Roberson. They ended the open practice by playing Duck-Duck-Goose with some of the kids who were on hand. View warriors.com exclusive photos

Tim,
Hello, question from all the Warriors fans in Bowling Green, Ohio. How is Keith McLeod doing in camp this week?
Thanks,
B & J

Hey Tim,
We've heard talk about a lot of Warriors players and how they will fare under Nelson, but not much about big man Ike Diogu. What do you think his role will be under Nelson? Will he play center (where he did not look too good last season), or power forward, where Dunleavy has already been slotted for major minutes?
Best,
Jeff Hester

Jeff,
I think that the fact that Ike is a good shooter and makes free throws means he will be on the floor. He will play either the four or the five, depending on that nights’ opponent. He will be a key off the bench player for the Warriors this year.
Tim

Tim,
I definitely agree that the Warriors need to shake things up line up wise, but using Mike Dunleavy at the power forward seems crazy to me. Dunleavy will not be able to bang with the bigger power forwards and has never been a strong defender or rebounder. Offensively I think it is a great move, but I'm worried about how the move will hurt us defensively. Offense comes and goes, but defense wins championships as the saying goes.
What do you think?
Eric S.

Eric,
The last three years I have been saying on my radio broadcasts that the Warriors best lineups have been with Mike at the four position. You have to crawl before you walk and walk before you run. If moving this team into high gear gets it into a playoff spot, then I am all for it. A team like the Warriors does not have to be like Detroit or San Antonio defensively. They just have to get stops when they need to.
Thanks, this will be fun.
Tim

KEEP THE E-MAILS COMING

The Warriors will have an open practice on Monday at the Arena. It is scheduled for 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. and in the past this has always been a great chance to see the team up-close and personal. We hope to see you there.

MAILBAG
Tim,
Hi, question from all Warriors fans in Latvia. How big is Andris Biedrins progress during these years with Warriors and what you think about his place in team this season? How often could we see him in starting line-up?
Thanks,
Janis Kisis

Janis,
I hope you are well in Latvia. Your countryman is playing well and I think if he brings his free throw shooting up then I think he will get a lot of playing time. He is strong with good hands and could be a starter this year, but it is really up to him. Keep waving the Warriors banner in Riga!!
Thanks
Tim

Tim,
Which current Warriors player benefits the most from Don Nelson's return? I think we will see Mike Dunleavy step up his game to a different level and be the team's X-factor. I look forward to seeing the Warriors score 100+ points a game every single night!
Mark D.

Mark,
I think all will benefit from Nellie's return, but I think that Dunleavy, Murphy, Pietrus and Ellis are four that come to mind right away. In fact, my partners in cyberspace - warriors.com - posted a feature on the new roles expected for Dunleavy and Muprhy this season. I think that this team will be fun to watch, I think it will score a lot of points and I believe that this year, is THE year for the Warriors to go back to the postseason.
Thanks
Tim

Dear Tim,
Do you think this is the year that Mickeal Pietrus emerges as a star with a run and gun type of offense? I think he'd be a great finisher for this type of offense.
Ryan

Ryan,
I think that Pietrus could have a new lease on his NBA life with the arrival of Don Nelson. It is also a huge year for him personally, in determining what type of player he will be. I think your point about finishing is astute and his athleticism is something that the Warriors need. Pietrus could have a big year and could turn around his career.
Thanks for the email.
Tim

Keep sending questions! More on Monday

October 4, 2006
TRAINING CAMP UPDATE

As you have seen in some of the warriors.com journal reports, there has been great attention to detail especially on the offensive sets. Every aspect of each individual play is scrutinized and explained. Head Coach Don Nelson has said many times throughout the course of practices, “Every created shot has to be taken” and is being drilled into the players psyche. Just as he promised entering the season, free throws will be a huge part of their practice repertoire with the players working on free throw shooting following each session.

Coach Don Nelson has also named Baron Davis, Jason Richardson and Mike Dunleavy his tri-captains. I thought that was very interesting and it shows the confidence that Nelson has in his star players as well as Dunleavy who is coming off a down season. It gives Mike the backing of his coach as well as the expectation level which is a healthy thing.

In today’s newspapers and yesterday’s warriors.com journal, Mickeal Pietrus was singled out for praise. Pietrus says he is reenergized with Nelsons’ arrival and the coach feels that Pietrus has been doing exactly what he wants. A healthy Pietrus, playing well, would give the Warriors a defensive stopper and would certainly make the team more athletic. Patrick O’Bryant hit the floor for the first time and Athletic Trainer Tom Abdenour says he will be working in non-contact drills for the time being.

Troy,
I see Wagner as a game changer, a guy who will come off the bench like Vinnie Johnson used to and score in a hurry. He is healthy for the first time since college and has a lot to prove. I believe that this will be a shrewd signing by Chris Mullin.
Thanks for the email.
Tim

Tim,
Considering Don Nelson has a history of being a play maker, do you think his skills will be productive for the Warriors this session? Additionally, do you think we have a chance at the playoffs?
Tamika LaShawn Bennett

Tamika,
Don Nelson is known as an innovative coach and I believe that his offensive mind combined with his discipline will pay big dividends for the Warriors this season. I think that the team underachieved the past three seasons and I do believe that we will be in the playoffs this spring.
Thanks for the e-mail.
Tim

Tim,
How would you compare and contrast this year's camp with prior camps under Coach Montgomery?
Thanks,
Doc

Doc,
We are two days in, hang on for a moment. Early impressions are more running and more free throw shooting. Check back with me later this month.
Thanks
Tim

Keep sending in your questions. I’ll be back with some more answers for you on Friday.

October 2, 2006
MEDIA DAY
I’m filing my first journal of the new season from the annual get-together where players have their picture taken numerous times and answer a million questions about how they think the team will do this year. The Warriors' version of Media Day is especially exciting this year because of the speculation and anticipation of the impact of the return of Head Coach Don Nelson.

Camp officially gets under way following Media Day so keep checking here daily for updates and answers to some of your questions.

MAIL BAG
Tim,
Hi, I was wondering how Monta Ellis' knee is doing. Also do you think that Monta will get more playing time under Coach Nelson?
Thanks,
James Nelson

James,
Monta appears to be doing fine and by all accounts should be ready for Opening Night. He is a dynamic young player who has tons of raw talent. Coach Nelson has stated numerous times in media interviews over the past few weeks that the players will determine how much playing time they receive. If they can shoot, pass and limit their mistakes, playing time will be available. As for Monta, though, I find it hard to imagine that he will not be in the rotation. I think his future is very very bright.
Tim

Phillip,
I think the role for Patrick might be one of the student. He has some other centers that are listed ahead of him on the depth chart and the fact that he is recovering from a stress fracture in his foot will also hinder him during training camp. He is talented and has a good shot, but might be a couple of years away from really discovering what we have in him.
Thanks and take care.
Tim

I’ll have more questions and answers tomorrow.